Will Clayton
"Insightful, knowledgeable and focussed" — Group HR director
Will Clayton is a highly regarded employment lawyer, known for his broad range of commercial experience and his practical, solution-focussed legal advice.
Will began his career by qualifying as a barrister in 1995, as a solicitor in 1997 and has specialised in labour law for over 23 years. Will spends the majority of his time working closely with business owners and senior leadership teams to implement workforce changes, resolve employment disputes, ensure legal compliance and to protect their businesses and confidential information.
A highly experienced Employment Tribunal advocate, Will also represents clients in High Court in actions to enforce restrictive covenants and in shareholder and partnership disputes.
Many employers lean on Will’s advice and help whenever they need to restructure or reshape their business and with mergers and other business transfers.
Will has acted for clients in a wide range of sectors from manufacturing business to law firms, from engineering and science businesses to FinTechs; from food producers to supply chain and from retail to charities and government bodies.
“Will is a skilled lawyer and advocate with a proven ability to deliver practical solutions in complex and fast paced environments. His broad employment law experience means that he is able to balance legal and commercial risk in order to provide pragmatic advice. I will have no hesitation in referring Will to others in need of proficient employment law advice and representation.”
—General Counsel
Will is also regularly sought out by company directors and senior executives to advise them on important career events such as the terms of their service agreements, exits and settlement agreements and team moves.
Specialties: HR / workforce strategy; Business Protection / Restrictive Covenants; TUPE; Employment Tribunals; Unfair Dismissal; Discrimination; IR35; Whistle-Blowing; Dispute Resolution; Advocacy.
Reported cases include:
Gosden v Lifeline Project Ltd ET/2802731/2009 (one of the first cases dealing with the extent of right to privacy of electronic communications connected with employment)
Arch Initiatives v Greater Manchester West Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust & Others UKEAT/0267/15/RN. (TUPE - when changes to activities carried out before and after a change in service providers can prevent a relevant transfer)
When not at work, Will enjoys spending his free-time with his family and friends, playing golf and getting out on his road bike.
WORLDWIDE E-COMMERCE MANAGER
My experience of working with Will and gaining his professional opinion, was during a very challenging and difficult period. His knowledge, experience, confidence and professional manner made a difficult period much easier to navigate. He always has the clients interests as his main focus, and gives balanced well thought through opinion and advice. All the work was delivered on time on budget, and I was always fully updated, this gave me huge reassurance throughout his engagement. I would highly recommend Will for his work ethic and professional approach.”
GROUP HR DIRECTOR
Will is a great lawyer to work with. He is insightful, knowledgeable and delivery focused. He is also a skilled advocate who listens to his clients. Highly recommended.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE £1BN + T/0 CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS
“I would strongly recommend Will Clayton for his employment relations legal expertise.
His calm , assured manner and meticulous attention to detail made what could have been a very stressful situation smooth and under control.
BARRISTER
Will was absolutely brilliant. He gave us measured, practical advice on an urgent employment matter. He negotiated deftly with a recalcitrant opposition and achieved a great result against the odds. He is unflappable and tenacious. I would wholeheartedly recommend him.
LEGAL DIRECTOR
Will is a skilled lawyer and advocate with a proven ability to deliver practical solutions in complex and fast paced environments. His broad employment law experience means that he is able to balance legal and commercial risk in order to provide pragmatic advice. I will have no hesitation in referring Will to others in need of proficient employment law advice and representation.
CEO
Will is a highly experienced and specialist employment lawyer. I first instructed Will to provide advice on employment matters at a time when I was not satisfied with the advice I was receiving from another law firm.
Will immediately identified the legal issues with the case that really mattered. He also gave real-time practical advice that proved critical in helping secure a vastly improved outcome.
I have instructed Will more than once and I have also recommended Will to my personal contacts more than once, (who were also pleased with the Will’s service and their outcomes).
I will happily refer Will again to others who need expert employment law advice or representation.